Photo Courtesy of Artist
Appalachian and Brazilian traditions
Virginia and Brazil
If there’s one thing you can count on at the Center for Cultural Vibrancy Stage, it is the presence of multi-instrumentalist and musical genius Danny Knicely. You can also be sure he’ll be up to something new. Danny has the uncanny ability to thrive in and elevate most any musical situation, and often melds the Appalachian folk music of his youth with the expansive types of music he has encountered in the diverse cultural communities of the U.S. and the world. He has shared his music and collaborated with musicians in four continents, including U.S. State Department tours in Russia, Tunisia, Morocco and Cabo Verde, as well as participated in the celebrated Mountain Music Project with traditional musicians from Mongolia.
This trio blends the musical traditions of Appalachia and Brazil in a joyful and captivating fusion. Danny grew up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and is a master mandolinist, guitarist, fiddler and flatfoot dancer. He is joined by Brazilian-born seven-string guitarist Cesar Garabini, known for his mastery of choro, the intricate musical style that gave rise to samba and bossa nova. Garabini has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland and MOMA. Completing the trio is Rio-born vocalist and percussionist Fernanda Bravo, whose expressive voice blends samba, bossa nova, and jazz.
Together, they explore the deep musical connections between two rich traditions, offering a vibrant and soulful performance full of rhythm, melody and cultural exchange.